1 Chronicles 6:62

KJV

And to the sons of Gershom throughout their families out of the tribe of Issachar, and out of the tribe of Asher, and out of the tribe of Naphtali, and out of the tribe of Manasseh in Bashan, thirteen cities.

KJV (with Strong's)

And to the sons {H1121} of Gershom {H1647} throughout their families {H4940} out of the tribe {H4294} of Issachar {H3485}, and out of the tribe {H4294} of Asher {H836}, and out of the tribe {H4294} of Naphtali {H5321}, and out of the tribe {H4294} of Manasseh {H4519} in Bashan {H1316}, thirteen {H7969}{H6240} cities {H5892}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The descendants of Gershom were assigned, clan by clan, thirteen cities from the tribes of Yissakhar, Asher, Naftali and M'nasheh in Bashan.

Berean Standard Bible

The Gershomites, according to their clans, were allotted thirteen cities from the tribes of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Manasseh in Bashan.

American Standard Version

And to the sons of Gershom, according to their families, out of the tribe of Issachar, and out of the tribe of Asher, and out of the tribe of Naphtali, and out of the tribe of Manasseh in Bashan, thirteen cities.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 6:62 meticulously details the allocation of thirteen cities to the Gershomite clan of the Levites, drawn from the territories of the tribes of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and the half-tribe of Manasseh located in Bashan. This specific enumeration is part of a larger record in Chronicles that underscores God's precise and orderly provision for the Levites, who, unlike the other tribes, received no consolidated territorial inheritance but were strategically dispersed throughout Israel to fulfill their sacred duties as spiritual guides and temple servants.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within [1 Chronicles 6](/1-chronicles/6 "1 Chronicles 6 - Genealogies of Levi and Levitical Cities"), a chapter dedicated to the comprehensive genealogy of Levi and the detailed distribution of cities to the Levitical families. The Chronicler, known for his meticulous attention to lineage and temple service, systematically lists the descendants of Levi, including the priestly line of Aaron (the Kohathites), and then proceeds to enumerate the cities assigned to each of the three main Levitical clans: Kohath, Gershom, and Merari. Verse 62 specifically concludes the listing for the Gershomites, following the detailed assignments for the Kohathites ([1 Chronicles 6:54-61](/1-chronicles/6-54-61 "1 Chronicles 6:54-61 - Cities for the Kohathites")) and preceding those for the Merarites ([1 Chronicles 6:63-81](/1-chronicles/6-63-81 "1 Chronicles 6:63-81 - Cities for the Merarites")). This precise cataloging serves to affirm the fulfillment of Mosaic law regarding the Levites' inheritance and their integral role in Israel's spiritual life, emphasizing order and divine faithfulness in the post-exilic community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Historically, the Levites held a unique position within ancient Israel. Unlike the other eleven tribes who received consolidated land inheritances, the Levites were set apart for priestly and temple service and were not given a single tribal territory. Instead, as commanded by God through Moses (cf. [Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1-8 "Numbers 35:1-8 - The Command for Levitical Cities")), they were allocated 48 cities with their surrounding pasturelands, scattered throughout the territories of the other tribes. This dispersion was not a disadvantage but a strategic design, ensuring that spiritual instruction, legal arbitration, and the oversight of sacred duties were accessible across the entire nation. The mention of specific tribes like Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Manasseh in Bashan highlights the geographical breadth of this distribution, reinforcing the idea that the Levites were to serve all of Israel, not just one region.
* **Key Themes:** The detailed account in [1 Chronicles 6](/1-chronicles/6 "1 Chronicles 6 - Genealogies and Levitical Cities") and specifically in verse 62 contributes significantly to several overarching themes. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Order and Provision**. God's meticulous plan for the Levites, ensuring their sustenance and dwelling places despite their lack of a traditional inheritance, underscores His faithful care for those dedicated to His service. This echoes the broader biblical truth that God provides for His people (cf. [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God's Provision")). Secondly, **Levitical Service and Dispersion** is a central theme. The scattering of the Levites enabled them to fulfill their crucial roles as teachers of the Law, spiritual guides, musicians, and caretakers of the tabernacle/temple throughout the land, making spiritual instruction and oversight accessible to all corners of Israel (cf. [Deuteronomy 33:10](/deuteronomy/33-10 "Deuteronomy 33:10 - The Levites' Role in Teaching the Law")). Finally, the chapter emphasizes the **Fulfillment of Mosaic Law**. The Chronicler's detailed enumeration of cities demonstrates the faithful execution of God's commands regarding the Levites' inheritance, as first outlined in [Numbers 35:7](/numbers/35-7 "Numbers 35:7 - The Forty-Eight Levitical Cities"), where the total of 48 cities was prescribed.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gershom (Hebrew, _Gêrᵉshôm'_):** One of the three sons of Levi, whose descendants formed a major clan of Levites. The name itself is derived from a root meaning "a sojourner there" or "a stranger there." This etymology is particularly poignant in the context of the Levites' unique inheritance, as they were indeed "sojourners" distributed among the other tribes, without a consolidated territorial inheritance of their own. Their identity was intrinsically tied to service and their relationship with God, rather than a specific land.
* **Tribe (Hebrew, _maṭṭeh'_):** This term, often translated as "tribe," literally refers to a "branch" or "staff," figuratively representing a division or a scepter of authority. Its repeated use in this verse (four times) underscores the distinct tribal affiliations from which the cities were drawn, highlighting the inter-tribal cooperation and the systematic nature of the Levitical land allocation, ensuring that each major Israelite division contributed to the sustenance of the priestly class.
* **Bashan (Hebrew, _Bâshân'_):** A fertile and historically significant region east of the Jordan River, known for its rich pasturelands and strong cattle. The specific mention of "Manasseh in Bashan" distinguishes this Transjordanian half-tribe from the half-tribe of Manasseh that settled west of the Jordan. This geographical detail further emphasizes the comprehensive and widespread nature of the Levitical distribution, reaching even into the territories beyond the Jordan, signifying the national scope of their spiritual service.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And to the sons of Gershom throughout their families":** This opening clause precisely identifies the recipients of the cities – the descendants of Gershom, organized by their family units. It underscores the familial and communal aspect of the Levitical settlement, ensuring that the provision extended to all branches of this major clan, not just a select few, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of God's provision.
* **"out of the tribe of Issachar, and out of the tribe of Asher, and out of the tribe of Naphtali, and out of the tribe of Manasseh in Bashan":** This segment lists the four specific tribes from whose territories the Gershomites received their cities. This detail is crucial, demonstrating the inter-tribal cooperation required for the Levitical settlement and the widespread nature of their dispersion across various regions of Israel. The inclusion of "Manasseh in Bashan" provides a precise geographical qualifier, distinguishing it from the western half of the tribe and indicating the reach of the Levitical settlements into the Transjordan.
* **"thirteen cities":** This final phrase states the exact number of cities allocated to the Gershomites from these specific tribes. It concludes the enumeration for this clan, providing a clear and precise accounting of their inheritance. This numerical exactitude reinforces the divine order, the faithful execution of God's commands, and the meticulous record-keeping characteristic of the Chronicler.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 6:62, and indeed throughout much of [1 Chronicles 6](/1-chronicles/6 "1 Chronicles 6 - Genealogies and Levitical Cities"), is **Enumeration** or **Cataloging**. The verse is part of an extensive list of names, lineages, and geographical assignments, meticulously detailing the distribution of cities to the Levites. This precise listing emphasizes the Chronicler's concern for historical accuracy, divine order, and the faithful fulfillment of God's commands regarding the Levitical inheritance. The **Precision** of the numbers ("thirteen cities") and the specific tribal and geographical designations ("Issachar," "Asher," "Naphtali," "Manasseh in Bashan") further highlight this commitment to detail, reflecting a theological conviction that God's plan is exact and His promises are meticulously kept. This detailed accounting also serves as a form of **Affirmation**, reassuring the post-exilic community that God's ancient promises and provisions for His people, particularly for those dedicated to His service, remained steadfast and were indeed fulfilled.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The allocation of cities to the Gershomites, as detailed in 1 Chronicles 6:62, serves as a powerful testament to God's meticulous care and His commitment to establishing a divinely ordered society. The Levites' unique inheritance, or lack thereof in the traditional sense, underscored their complete reliance on God and the tithes of the other tribes, making them living examples of faith and dependence. Their dispersion was not a punishment but a strategic placement, enabling them to be a spiritual leaven throughout Israel, teaching the Law, mediating disputes, and maintaining the purity of worship. This arrangement demonstrates God's wisdom in providing for His servants while simultaneously ensuring that His truth and presence were accessible to all His people, fostering unity and spiritual health across the tribal boundaries.

* [Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1-8 "Numbers 35:1-8 - The Command for Levitical Cities")
* [Joshua 21:1-42](/joshua/21-1-42 "Joshua 21:1-42 - The Distribution of Levitical Cities")
* [Deuteronomy 33:8-11](/deuteronomy/33-8-11 "Deuteronomy 33:8-11 - Moses' Blessing on Levi and Their Duties")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed allocation of cities to the Levites, as seen in 1 Chronicles 6:62, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order, precision, and faithful provision. Just as He meticulously planned for the Levites' sustenance and placement, so too does He have a specific design for each of His children and for the functioning of His kingdom today. We are called to recognize that our "inheritance" is not primarily in earthly possessions or consolidated territories, but in Christ and His spiritual blessings. The Levites' dispersion teaches us the importance of serving God's purposes wherever we are situated. Rather than seeking a specific "place" of comfort or worldly prominence, believers are called to be salt and light in their communities, living out their faith and sharing God's truth wherever they are placed, much like each part of the body of Christ has a specific function and is indispensable (cf. [1 Corinthians 12:27](/1-corinthians/12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:27 - You are the Body of Christ")). Our reliance, like theirs, is ultimately on God's faithful provision, trusting that He will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's provision for the Levites encourage your trust in His care for your own life and needs?**
* **In what ways might you be "dispersed" in your current circumstances (e.g., job, neighborhood, family) to serve God's purposes, even if it's not where you initially sought to be?**
* **What does the Levites' reliance on God and the tithes of others teach you about the nature of true dependence and community within the body of Christ?**
* **How can you more intentionally live out your faith and share God's truth in the specific "cities" or contexts where God has placed you?**

### FAQ

**Why didn't the Levites receive a tribal land inheritance like the other tribes?**

Answer: The Levites did not receive a consolidated tribal land inheritance because God Himself was declared to be their inheritance (cf. [Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Lord is Levi's Inheritance")). Instead of land, they were set apart for sacred service to the Lord, specifically ministering in the tabernacle and later the temple, teaching God's law, and mediating between God and the people. Their sustenance came from the tithes and offerings of the other tribes, emphasizing their complete dependence on God's provision through the faithfulness of His people. This unique arrangement ensured their dedication to spiritual duties without the distraction of managing a large territorial inheritance.

**What was the significance of the Levites being dispersed among the tribes?**

Answer: The dispersion of the Levites into 48 cities scattered throughout all the other tribes (cf. [Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - The Cities of the Levites")) was a strategic and divinely ordained plan. It ensured that spiritual instruction, legal guidance, and access to the priests and temple servants were available to all corners of Israel. The Levites served as spiritual anchors, teaching the Law of God (cf. [Deuteronomy 33:10](/deuteronomy/33-10 "Deuteronomy 33:10 - Levites as Teachers of the Law")), resolving disputes, and maintaining the purity of worship, thereby fostering national unity and adherence to the covenant. Their presence prevented any one tribe from becoming spiritually isolated.

**How does this detailed list relate to the overall message of Chronicles?**

Answer: The detailed lists of genealogies and city allocations, like that in 1 Chronicles 6:62, are central to the Chronicler's message. Written for the post-exilic community, Chronicles aimed to remind the returning exiles of their heritage, God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, and the importance of proper worship and temple service. The meticulous accounting of the Levitical cities affirmed that God's commands had been fulfilled and that the divine order for Israel's spiritual life was established and enduring. It served as an encouragement to rebuild and re-establish their identity as God's chosen people, emphasizing continuity with their past and the enduring nature of God's covenant with David and the Levites.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous provision for the Levites in 1 Chronicles 6:62, ensuring their dwelling and sustenance through a dispersed inheritance, foreshadows the ultimate spiritual provision found in Jesus Christ. The Levites, set apart for sacred service and mediating between God and His people, point to Jesus as our great High Priest (cf. [Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest")), who perfectly fulfilled all priestly duties through His once-for-all sacrifice (cf. [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Unlike the Levites who were scattered to bring God's truth to Israel, believers in Christ are now a "royal priesthood" (cf. [1 Peter 2:9](/1-peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), dispersed throughout the world not in specific cities, but as the living temple of God's Spirit (cf. [1 Corinthians 3:16](/1-corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You are God's Temple")). Our inheritance is not earthly cities, but spiritual blessings in Christ (cf. [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")), and our sustenance comes from His abundant grace and the spiritual food of His Word. Just as God meticulously provided for the Levites, He has perfectly provided for His new covenant people through the finished work of Christ, enabling us to live lives of worship and service, wherever we are placed, as ambassadors of His kingdom (cf. [2 Corinthians 5:20](/2-corinthians/5-20 "2 Corinthians 5:20 - Ambassadors for Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 2:22

And she bare [him] a son, and he called his name Gershom: for he said, I have been a stranger in a strange land.

1 Chronicles 6:71

Unto the sons of Gershom [were given] out of the family of the half tribe of Manasseh, Golan in Bashan with her suburbs, and Ashtaroth with her suburbs:

1 Chronicles 6:76

And out of the tribe of Naphtali; Kedesh in Galilee with her suburbs, and Hammon with her suburbs, and Kirjathaim with her suburbs.

Joshua 21:27

And unto the children of Gershon, of the families of the Levites, out of the [other] half tribe of Manasseh [they gave] Golan in Bashan with her suburbs, [to be] a city of refuge for the slayer; and Beeshterah with her suburbs; two cities.

Joshua 21:33

All the cities of the Gershonites according to their families [were] thirteen cities with their suburbs.